Bib and bib attachment structure

ABSTRACT

A removable bib, bib collar, collar system for apparel and a method of manufacture thereof. There is a bib panel; an outer collar/ring shaped as a split ring and selectably coupled (removable) to the bib panel; and an inner collar shaped as a split ring and coupled to the outer collar. The inner collar includes a protruding member circumscribing the inner collar and protruding therefrom to form a ledge so that spilled fluids are prevented from running up the collar. The protruding member is a bunched/tucked portion of fabric coupled to itself and the inner collar has a narrower front ring panel than the back so that the protruding member protrudes forward. The inner collar and back panel of the outer collar are water absorbent, while the front panel of the outer collar is water-resistant. The same collar system may be coupled to apparel that is not a bib.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. § 120, to the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/437,128 by Linder filed on 21 Dec. 2016 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to protective articles worn about the neck, specifically bibs and bib collars.

Description of the Related Art

Young children are messy eaters. Accordingly, devices and methods have been developed to protect the skin and clothing of such children as they eat. This generally takes the form of a bib of one sort or another.

Further, the food generally fed to these young children has a soft/wet consistency to meet their eating needs. This soft/wetness enhances the difficulties with the mess and the problems associated therewith. The food sticks to the skin and clothing and is likely to smear, drip, or otherwise travel, thus increasing the mess.

This requires the caregiver to clean up after each feeding, which is multiple times in a day. The greater the mess, the more need for cleaning. Further, if cleaning does not occur, or if a mess reaches a place on the clothing or skin that is unobserved by the caregiver, the child may develop a rash or other skin issue.

Accordingly, improvements have been made in devices and structure for preventing such messes and protecting children from the same. These include using waterproof materials in bibs, using straps to connect the bib to the child, decorating the bib with pleasant/attractive characters so that the child is more likely to keep the bib in place, and the like.

Some improvements have been made in the field. Examples of references related to the present invention are described below in their own words, and the supporting teachings of each reference are incorporated by reference herein:

U.S. Pat. No. 2,501,010, issued to Seidenbaum, discloses a bib or the like comprising a flat sheet of flexible material having a front apron, a pair of shoulder portions integral with said apron, a cutout between said shoulder portions and constituting a neck opening, the front of said neck opening being slightly below the middle of the shoulder line, an extension on one of said shoulders and integral therewith, said extension having a constricted intermediate portion and a wider outer portion, at least one opening transverse to said shoulder line on said other shoulder for retaining said extension thereon, the width of said transverse opening being less than the outer portion of said extension.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,483,701, issued to Ferreyros, discloses a bib for fitting about the neck of a baby and having a one piece body and a pocket or pouch secured thereto. Pouch is secured to bib between a pair of spaced neck portions and with the closed end of pouch stitched to bib along an upper edge of bib. The pouch is free and turned outside in when the bib is positioned about the neck of a child. The bib is placed within pouch by folding it or stuffing it via the closed end of the pouch while the pouch is turned inside out. The open end of pouch is then closed with bib therein, and pouch may then be stored or transported.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,089, issued to Kelly, discloses a baby bib with a protective neckline. The bib protects the baby's clothes and skin from spilled food. A protective neck strap scrunches under a child's neck to ensure that the neckline is adequately covered and protected from food and liquid spilled or drooled out of a baby's mouth when feeding. Back straps secure the bib to the torso of the baby. The bib is removed without moving or disturbing the baby. The bib is constructed from either waterproof and washable materials or disposable materials. Other features include various accessories such as pockets and tear-off attachments and a fastening system.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,141,171, issued to Milman, discloses a bib portion with left and right top ends formed by a split circular opening and a cowl neck split along the back having a left side end with an inside surface and an outside surface and a right side end having an inside surface and an outside surface where a bottom end of the split cowl neck 1.5 is attached around the split circular opening with the split in the split cowl neck aligned with the split in the split circular opening. Mating strips of a loop and hook connector are attached to left and right sides of the split in the cowl neck to closely position the split cowl neck around a child's neck and a loop of material is attached to a connector strip or a side end of the cowl neck split to function as a finger pull when separating the connector strips.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 2006/0026729, by Rothschild, discloses a reversible, multi-purpose bib exhibits a polyester layer on one side for use in absorbing drool, a vinyl layer on an opposing side for use when feeding solid food, and a removable overlying cotton or cotton polyester blend layer atop the vinyl layer for use when formula feeding.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No.: 20140020148, by Yaep, discloses a bib that includes a front sheet having a top portion, a bottom portion, a first side, and a second side, a first shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the from sheet, a second shoulder strap extending from, and integrally formed with, the top portion of the front sheet, a first side portion extending from the first side of the front sheet, and a second side portion extending from the second side of the front sheet, wherein the first side portion and the first shoulder strap at least partially define a first arm opening, and wherein the second side portion and the second shoulder strap at least partially define a second arm opening,

The inventions heretofore known suffer from a number of disadvantages, including but not limited to: failing to prevent stains, not being soft, not being comfortable, failing to prevent leaks beyond the bib, being difficult to use, being difficult to clean, not having soft skin contact points, being difficult to wash, not being washable, not being safe for the environment, not being safe for babies, failing to provide enhanced freedom for caregivers/kids, failing to make it easier to feed children, and failing to increase the speed at which children may be fed.

What is needed is a bib, collar, bib attachment device, system and/or method of manufacture that solves one or more of the problems described herein and/or one or more problems that may come to the attention of one skilled in the art upon becoming familiar with this specification.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the problems and needs in the art that have not yet been fully solved by currently available bibs and bib collars. Accordingly, the present invention has been developed to provide a bib, bib collar, collar system for apparel, and/or a method of manufacture thereof.

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is a bib that includes one or more of a bib panel; an outer collar that may be shaped as a split ring and/or coupled to the bib panel at a top portion thereof about an outer annulus of the outer collar; and an inner collar that may be shaped as a split ring and/or coupled to the outer collar about an inner annulus of the outer collar. The inner collar may include a protruding member that may be circumscribing the inner collar and/or protruding from a front portion thereof. The outer collar may include a coupling device to couple about the neck of a wearer and/or to couple to the bib panel.

It may be that the protruding member is a bunched portion of fabric sewn about a base of the protruding member. It may be that the coupling device is selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins. It may be that the outer collar comprises a water-resistant front panel coupled to an absorbent back panel. It may be that, the inner collar is absorbent. It may be that the inner collar comprises a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion. It may be that the front fabric panel has an annular width that is shorter than the back fabric panel. It may be that the inner collar comprises a folded ring of fabric, wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself. It may be that the outer collar includes a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the bib. It may be that the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of: mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.

In another non-limiting embodiment, there is a collar system configured to form a collar of an apparel article. The collar system may include one or more of: an outer ring that may be configured to be disposed about a neck of a wearer; and/or an inner ring that may be coupled to the outer ring about an inner annulus of the outer ring. It may be that the inner ring includes a protruding member that may be circumscribing the inner ring and/or protruding from a front portion thereof such that, when worn, the protruding member forms a horizontal barrier circumscribing the neck of the wearer.

It may be that the outer ring includes a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the apparel article. It may be that the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of: mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins. It may be that the protruding member is a bunched portion of fabric coupled about a base of the protruding member. It may be that the outer ring and inner ring re split rings and include one or more coupling devices selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins, such that they may be repeatedly selectively coupled and decoupled about the neck of a wearer. It may be that the outer ring comprises a water-resistant front panel coupled to a water absorbent back panel. It may be that the inner ring is of a water absorbent material. It may be that the inner ring comprises a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion. It may be that the front fabric panel has an annular width that is shorter than an annular width of the back fabric panel. It may be that the inner ring comprises a folded ring of fabric and wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself.

In still yet another non-limiting embodiment, there is a method of manufacturing a bib. The method may include one or more of the steps of: providing a water-resistant outer collar panel shaped as a split ring; providing a water-absorbent outer collar panel shaped as a split ring; providing a water-absorbent inner collar strip of fabric; tucking a strip of material of the inner collar strip of fabric and coupling the tucked portion to itself, the tucked strip of material having a center that is off-center from the inner collar strip of fabric, thereby turning a protruding ledge; coupling opposite ends of the inner collar strip of fabric to each other between the water-resistant outer collar panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel at an inner annular region thereof, such that the protruding ledge extends as a ledge from a resulting inner collar formed thereby; coupling outer annular regions of the water-resistant outer collar panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel, thereby forming a collar system; coupling the collar system to a bib panel; and/or attaching one or more repeatedly selectably coupleable and removable fastening systems to the collar system such that the collar system may selectably couple and remove from itself (e.g. overlapping portions of the collar(s)) or from the bib panel. Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention should be or are in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order for the advantages of the invention to be readily understood, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawing(s). It is noted that the drawings of the invention are not to scale. The drawings are mere schematics representations, not intended to portray specific parameters of the invention. Understanding that these drawing(s) depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawing(s), in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bib according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a bib attachment having an inner collar coupled to an outer collar, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a bib attachment having an inner collar coupled to an outer collar, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a ledge connector separate from a bib or bib attachment according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial front perspective view of a bib coupled to a child according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 shows a pattern for an inner collar portion, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows a pattern for a pair of markers, according to one embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 8 shows a pattern for an outer collar portion, according to one embodiment of the invention

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawing(s), and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive features illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention.

Reference throughout this specification to an “embodiment,” an “example” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or combinations thereof described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases an “embodiment,” an “example,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, to different embodiments, or to one or more of the figures. Additionally, reference to the wording “embodiment,” “example” or the like, for two or more features, elements, etc. does not mean that the features are necessarily related, dissimilar, the same, etc.

Each statement of an embodiment, or example, is to be considered independent of any other statement of an embodiment despite any use of similar or identical language characterizing each embodiment. Therefore, where one embodiment is identified as “another embodiment,” the identified embodiment is independent of any other embodiments characterized by the language “another embodiment.” The features, functions, and the like described herein are considered to be able to be combined in whole or in part one with another as the claims and/or art may direct, either directly or indirectly, implicitly or explicitly.

As used herein, “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “is,” “are,” “characterized by,” and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional unrecited elements or method steps. “Comprising” is to be interpreted as including the more restrictive terms “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of.”

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a bib according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a bib 10 having a collar system 12 and a chest/bib panel 19.

The collar system 12 forms a neck hole 17 through which the neck of a child protrudes during operation. The neck hole 17 is circumscribed by an inner collar 16 of the collar system 12 that operates as a connector with a ledge (herein referred to as a “ledge connector”) that is coupled to an outer collar 18 of the collar system 12 that includes a front panel and a back panel (see FIG. 3). The collar system 12 includes a coupling structure 14 that permits the collar to widen to allow for placement about the child in operation.

The illustrated coupling structure 14 is a set of hook-and-loop patches that couple to mating patches (not shown) on an underside of the overlapping outer collar 18 such that the overlapping portions thereof may couple to each other. The coupling structure may selectably couple ends of the collar together and/or may selectably enlarge the effective radius of the collar such that the collar may be placed around the neck of a child to secure the bib thereto. Non-limiting examples of such structures include: hook-and-loop connectors (e.g. Velcro®), straps, snaps, clips, buttons, hooks, ties, wraps, elastic portions, and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated outer collar 18 shows a front panel thereof. The front panel of the outer collar is generally of a water-resistant (includes water-proof and/or otherwise hydrophobic) material/fabric/layer that restricts/prevents fluid from penetrating therethrough. The front panel may also be of an elastic material to allow for it to fit snuggly (e.g. with tension) about the neck of a child. The material may also be sufficiently slick (low coefficient of friction) and/or smooth such that food slides/rolls off the material and away from the neck of the child in operation. Such fabrics are generally made of polyurethane, nylon or other polymer threads with a tight weave. Some may include treatments and/or coatings (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene aka Teflon) that enhance water repellence and reduce friction that are also safe for children.

The illustrated ledge connector (inner collar) 16 is coupled to an interior annulus region of the outer collar 18 and thereby fits against the neck of the wearer when the bib is coupled about, the neck of the wearer. The ledge connector may be coupled between the front panel and the back panel of the outer collar. The ledge connector provides a physical ledge/barrier that protrudes above the periphery of the neck hole, outward away from the neck so that fluid that may be flowing upwardly towards the top of the collar when in operation will encounter the ledge/barrier and be turned away therefrom. This creates a physical barrier to prevent food/drink from traversing the neck hole to get behind the bib and onto the child's skin or clothing. The ledge connector, in operation, rests against the neck of the child and protrudes therefrom (See FIG. 5). Accordingly, the material of the inner collar is generally of a soft and absorbent material that is comfortable against the skin and that wicks moisture away from the child's skin. Accordingly, any wet food that ends up in a location where it could go behind the collar near the neck will be physically prevented from doing so and wet components thereof will be deflected by the ledge connector and thus prevented from dripping behind the collar.

The illustrated bib that includes an outer collar 18 shaped as a split ring. The outer collar is coupled to the bib panel at a top portion thereof about an outer annulus (the outer edge of the ring-shape thereof) of the outer collar. The illustrated inner collar is shaped as a split ring is coupled to the outer collar about an inner annulus (the inner edge of the ring-shape thereof) of the outer collar. The inner collar includes a protruding member that circumscribes the inner collar and protrudes from a front portion thereof. The illustrated outer collar includes a coupling device to couple about the neck of a wearer.

The illustrated chest panel (bib panel) provides a barrier between food and the child. It is generally of a water-resistant/water-proof/water-phobic material (generally a plastic approved for use with children's clothing) and may be a fabric or solid sheet of such material. The chest panel may include one or more various features, such as but not limited to pockets, texturing, licensed characters, decorations, and the like as desired.

In operation, a caregiver places the bib about the child by opening the collar and then coupling the collar about the child's neck, making sure that the ledge connector fits snugly and comfortably about the neck (See FIG. 5). The caregiver may then proceed to feed the child or allow the child to eat. The collar and bib prevent food from traversing the neck hole and protect the child from whatever mess the child may be making during feeding,

In one non-limiting embodiment, there is a bib that prevents stains around the collar. It may include a soft collar with three parts. There may be a soft and absorbent hack panel, a water resistant and stretchy front panel, and a soft and absorbent ledge connector connecting the front and the hack of the collar together that plays a main roll in blocking and/or absorbing liquids that may pass past the front panel at the neck hole. This prevents leaking around the collar of the bib. The bib itself may be soft, foldable, water-resistant material that may have a pouch that may be openable and easily cleaned.

There may be a semi-soft bib of silicon or similar material with a detachable collar as described above. There may be multiple such collars so that some can be washed while the others are being used.

There may be a standalone collar that may be coupleable to one or more other bibs. It may be that the outer collar includes a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the bib panel. It may be that the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins. There may be a very small and soft bib, with a collar, for infants.

In another non-limiting embodiment, there is a removable bib, bib collar, collar system for apparel and a method of manufacture thereof. There is a bib panel; an outer collar/ring shaped as a split ring and selectably coupled (removable) to the bib panel; and an inner collar shaped as a split ring and coupled to the outer collar. The inner collar includes a protruding member circumscribing the inner collar and protruding therefrom to form a ledge so that spilled fluids are prevented from running up the collar. The protruding member is a bunched/tucked portion of fabric coupled to itself and the inner collar has a narrower front ring panel than the back so that the protruding member protrudes forward. The inner collar and back panel of the outer collar are water absorbent, while the front panel of the outer collar is water-resistant. The same collar system may be coupled to apparel that is not a bib.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a collar system 12 according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a collar system 12 having an outer collar 18 with an inner collar 16 coupled to an interior edge thereof. The outer illustrated collar 18 includes a plurality of mating coupling devices 14 that allow a user to selectably couple and decouple the outer collar to itself at an overlapping portion thereof such that the collar may be sized and/or removed/coupled about a neck of a user in a comfortable fashion.

The illustrated collar system is configured to form a collar of an apparel article, such as but not limited to a bib, shirt, jacket, pants, shorts, socks, sweater, and the like and combinations thereof. The illustrated collar system includes an outer ring 18 that is configured to be disposed about. a neck (or other appendage, e.g. arm, leg) of a wearer. The illustrated inner ring 16 is coupled to the outer ring about an inner annulus of the outer ring. The illustrated inner ring 16 includes a protruding member that protrudes orthogonally therefrom, though generally not exactly orthogonally, as the materials thereof are highly flexible. The illustrated outer ring and inner ring are split rings and. such may include one or more coupling devices selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins, such that they may be repeatedly selectively coupled and decoupled about the neck of a wearer so that the collar may be easily removed from the neck/appendage of the wearer while also fitting snugly thereto in use. It may be that the outer ring comprises a water-resistant front panel coupled to a water absorbent back panel.

The illustrated protruding member of FIG. 2 is shown protruding out of the page towards the viewed from the inner ring 16. The protruding member circumscribes the inner ring and protrudes from a front portion thereof such that when worn, the protruding member forms a barrier (generally horizontal) circumscribing the neck of the wearer such that material that is dropped or splashed onto the collar system is deflected by the protruding member away from a top lip of the collar and therefore deflected from traversing behind the bib at the neck. It may be that the protruding member is a bunched portion of fabric coupled about a base of the protruding mere fiber. It may be that the inner ring comprises a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion. It may be that the front fabric panel has an annular width that is shorter than an annular width of the back fabric panel, thereby biasing the protrusion to protrude outwardly (generally horizontal) from the inner collar when the inner collar is disposed snugly about the neck of the wearer. It may be that the inner ring comprises a folded ring of fabric and wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself. It may be that the inner ring is of a water absorbent material, such as but not limited to woven textiles of hydrophilic material, e.g. cotton, bamboo fibers, hemp fibers, micro-fibers, threads with hydrophilic finishing, spongy/sponge-like materials, and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated outer ring includes a fastening system 20 disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the apparel article. The illustrated fastening system is a set of snaps coupled to a back-side of the outer collar and would couple to matching/mating snaps disposed on one or more bib panels. It may be that the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of: mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.

The illustrated coupling structure may selectably couple ends of the collar together and/or may selectably enlarge the effective radius of the collar such that the collar may be placed around the neck of a child to secure the bib thereto. Non-limiting examples of such structures include: hook-and-loop connectors (e.g. Velcro ®), straps, snaps, clips, elastic portions, and the like and combinations thereof.

The illustrated front panel of the collar is generally of a water-proof or water-resistant and/or hydrophobic fabric/material that prevents fluid from penetrating therethrough. The front panel may also be of an elastic material to allow for it to fit snuggly (e.g. with tension) about the neck of a child. The material may also be sufficiently slick (low coefficient of friction) and/or smooth such that food slides/rolls off the material and away from the neck of the child in operation. Such fabrics are generally made of polyurethane, nylon or other polymer threads with a tight weave. Some may include treatments and/or coatings (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene aka Teflon) that enhance water repellence and reduce friction that are also safe for children.

The illustrated ledge connector couples the front panel to the back panel and provides a physical ledge that protrudes above the periphery of the neck hole. This creates a physical barrier to prevent food from traversing the neck hole to get behind the bib and onto the child's skin or clothing. The ledge connector, in operation, rests against the neck of the child and so therefore is generally of a soft and/or absorbent material that is comfortable against the skin and that wicks moisture away from the child's skin, Accordingly, any wet food that ends up in a location where it could go behind the collar near the neck will be physically prevented from doing so and wet components thereof will be trapped by the ledge connector, thus prevented from dripping behind the collar.

The illustrated bib couplers allow the collar to couple to a bib configured to receive the same. This allows for interchangeable collars and bibs and also allows for them to be washed separately. The couplers are disposed about the collar and spaced so that the collar may form a suitably firm and complete coupling to the bib in a manner that prevents food from slipping between the coupling region. Non-limiting examples of such structures include: hook-and-loop connectors (e.g. Velcro®), straps, snaps, clips, elastic portions, and the like and combinations thereof.

There may be a kit including a plurality of collars that are selectably coupleable to a plurality of bibs. The collars and/or bibs may be identical or may be of various materials, configurations, shapes, sizes, colors, and the like and combinations thereof. There may be variety in how each are decorated and the characteristics and/or sizes of each.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a collar system (bib attachment) according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown an outer collar/ring 18 coupled to an inner collar/ring 16. The illustrated outer collar includes a front panel 32 coupled to a back panel 38 coupled in two places: stitching 31 at an outer annular region 30 and through stitching 33 through the inner collar/ring a ledge connector at an inner annular region 19. The ledge connector couples to each of the front and back panels thereby coupling them together.

The ledge connector (inner collar) includes a front fabric panel 35 coupled to a protrusion 40 and a back fabric panel 34 coupled to the protrusion 40. The illustrated front fabric panel 35 has an annular width (i.e. distance from the inner annular edge to the outer annular edge) that is shorter than that of the hack fabric panel 34. The illustrated inner collar 16 comprises a folded split ring of fabric, wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself at stitching 39 (See also FIG. 4). The back panel 34, when coupled to the protrusion and to the outer collar has a natural bend that separates the back panel 34 into a back region 36 and a protrusion lead region 37 that positions the protrusion so that it protrudes outwardly from the inner collar, while the front panel 35 provides a biasing pull on the protrusion on the other side thereof that does the same.

The illustrated front panel of the outer collar is generally of a water-proof or water-resistant and/or hydrophobic fabric/material that prevents fluid from penetrating therethrough. The front panel may also be of an elastic material to allow for it to fit snuggly (e.g. with tension) about the neck of a child. The material may also be sufficiently slick (low coefficient of friction) and/or smooth such that food slides/rolls off the material and away from the neck of the child in operation. Such fabrics are generally made of polyurethane, nylon or other polymer threads with a tight weave. Some may include treatments and/or coatings (e.g. polytetrafluoroethylene aka Teflon) that enhance water repellence and reduce friction that are also sate for children.

The illustrated back panel of the collar is generally of a soft material selected to be very comfortable against the skin of the child during operation. The material will generally be water-absorbent to wick moisture away from the skin/clothing of the child thereby helping to prevent stains. Such fabrics are generally fine natural fibers (e.g. cotton) or of polymers having water-phillic characteristics and fine thread diameters. The material may also be textured and/or include free thread ends or loops protruding therefrom to enhance the softness and absorbency thereof.

The illustrated ledge connector couples the front panel to the back panel and provides a physical ledge that protrudes above the periphery of the neck hole. This creates a physical barrier to prevent food from traversing the neck hole to get behind the bib and onto the child's skin or clothing. The back region 36 of the ledge connector, in operation, rests against the neck of the child and so therefore is generally of a soft and/or absorbent material that is comfortable against the skin and that wicks moisture away from the child's skin. Accordingly, any wet food that ends up in a location where it could go behind the collar near the neck will be physically prevented from doing so and wet components thereof will be trapped by the ledge connector, thus prevented from dripping behind the collar.

The illustrated ledge connector includes a ledge/barrier disposed between a short segment 35 and a long segment 34. The short segment is coupled to the front panel and the long segment is coupled to the back panel. This holds the ledge connector tight against the front panel and more loosely to the back panel of the collar. Accordingly, the ledge itself is biased in a position that causes the ledge to protrude forward and form a barrier between the front panel and the neck hole of the bib.

In a non-limiting variation, the front and back panels may be directly coupled to each other at both sides and the ledge connector may be coupled thereto without necessarily separating the front and back panels.

FIG. 4 is a partial top perspective view of a portion of a partially manufactured ledge connector separate from a bib and outer collar according to one embodiment of the invention. There is shown a ledge connector free from coupling to the front and back panel (e.g. as in during manufacture before coupling thereto).

The illustrated partially manufactured ledge connector is a strip of fabric/material. that is folded over on itself along a line 37 (this line generally forms the bend between portions 37 and 36 shown in FIG. 3) and coupled thereto, thereby forming a ridge/ledge along a length thereof. A ridge/barrier is formed by coupling the strip to itself along a line (stitching 39) that is disposed away from a center of the strip so that there is more fabric to one side of the ridge than the other. Such coupling may be accomplished using stitching as shown and/or with welding, adhesive, staples, heat bonding, and the like and combinations thereof.

When the opposite edges of the strip are coupled to each other to form the inner collar, the ridge is biased to protrude in one direction. The illustrated ridge (which eventually forms the protruding member) is a bunched portion of fabric sewn about a base of the protruding member.

The ridge is disposed non-centrally thereby forming a short segment 35 on one side of the ridge and long segment 34 on an opposite side of the ridge. The ridge protrudes upwardly from the main plane of the material.

Advantageously, the ledge connector may be coupled to and/or between a front panel and a back panel of a collar such that the ridge protrudes forwardly between the neck hole and the collar thereby protecting the child and the child's clothing from food/wetness/stains.

FIG. 5 is a partial front perspective view of a bib coupled to a child 50 about the neck, according to one embodiment of the invention. The bib is coupled about the next 54 of the child 50. The illustrated bib has a bib panel 19 that protects the front of the child from spills (e.g. dribbling from the chin 52) and a collar system 12 with an inner collar 16 coupled to an outer collar 18. The illustrated inner collar 16 includes a protruding member 40 that circumscribes the inner collar and protrudes outwardly, away from the neck of the child thereby forming a horizontal barrier to materials and fluids that may splash/fall on the bib.

The illustrated bib includes a collar system having a ledge protruding therefrom that acts as a shield to prevent stains/etc. around the neck area of the child. The ledge fits snuggly and comfortably about, the neck of the child and may be held securely by tension from elastic materials in the ledge and/or collar.

There is also a front panel of the collar that is slick and water-resistant such that wet foods disposed thereon will tend to slide off and not penetrate the collar. The illustrated front panel is coupled to each of the ledge and to the chest panel. The collar may include a soft underside (e.g. back panel).

FIGS. 6-8 show patterns for use in a method of manufacture of a collar system according to one embodiment of the invention. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a pattern for an inner collar portion, according to one embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 shows a pattern for a pair of markers, according to one embodiment of the invention; and FIG. 8 shows a pattern for an outer collar portion, according to one embodiment of the invention.

In such a method of manufacturing a bib such patterns are used to provide:

-   -   a water-resistant outer collar panel shaped as a split ring;     -   a water-absorbent outer collar panel shaped as a split ring;     -   a water-absorbent inner collar strip of fabric; and     -   a plurality of coupling device patches.

The method further includes tucking a strip of material of the inner collar strip of fabric and coupling the tucked portion to itself, the tucked strip of material having a center that is off-center from the inner collar strip of fabric, thereby forming a protruding ledge (See FIG. 4).

The method also includes coupling opposite ends of the inner collar strip of fabric to each other between the water-resistant outer collar panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel at an inner annular region thereof, such that the protruding ledge extends as a ledge from a resulting inner collar formed thereby (See FIG. 3). It also includes coupling outer annular regions of the water-resistant outer collar panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel, thereby forming a collar system (See FIG. 3).

The method may include coupling the collar system to a bib panel; and/or attaching one or more repeatedly selectably coupleable and removable fastening systems to the collar system such that the collar system may selectably couple and remove from itself or from the bib panel (See FIGS. 1 and 2).

It is understood that the above-described embodiments are only illustrative of the application of the principles of the present invention. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiment is to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

As an example, the couplings illustrated in FIG. 3 show stitching between each of the front panel, the back panel, the ledge connector and in formation of the ledge. It is understood that these connections could also be formed by glue/adhesive, welding, rivets, snaps, hood-and-loop and the like and combinations thereof.

Thus, while the present invention has been fully described above with particularity and detail in connection with what is presently deemed to be the most practical and preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications, including, but not limited to, variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use may be made, without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention as set forth in the claims. Further, it is contemplated that an embodiment may be limited to consist of or to consist essentially of one or more of the features, functions, structures, methods described herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A bib, comprising: a. a bib panel; b. an outer collar shaped as a split ring and coupled to the bib panel at a top portion thereof about an outer annulus of the outer collar, the outer collar including a coupling device to couple about the neck of a wearer; and c. an inner collar shaped as a split ring and coupled to the outer collar about an inner annulus of the outer collar, the inner collar including a protruding member circumscribing the inner collar and protruding from a front portion thereof.
 2. The bib of claim 1, wherein the protruding member is a bunched portion of fabric sewn about a base of the protruding member.
 3. The bib of claim 1, wherein the coupling device is selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.
 4. The bib of claim 1, wherein the outer collar comprises a water-resistant front panel coupled to an absorbent back panel.
 5. The bib of claim 1, wherein the inner collar is absorbent.
 6. The bib of claim 1, wherein the inner collar comprises a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion, wherein the front fabric panel has an annular width that is shorter than the back fabric panel.
 7. The bib of claim 1, wherein the inner collar comprises a folded ring of fabric, wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself.
 8. The bib of claim 1, wherein the outer collar includes a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the bib.
 9. The bib of claim 8, wherein the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of: mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.
 10. A collar system configured to form a collar of an apparel article, comprising: a. an outer ring configured to be disposed about a neck of a wearer; and b. an inner ring coupled to the outer ring about an inner annulus of the outer ring, the inner ring including a protruding member circumscribing the inner ring and protruding from a front portion thereof such that, when worn, the protruding member forms a horizontal barrier circumscribing the neck of the wearer.
 11. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the outer ring includes a fastening system disposed about the outer annulus that repeatedly selectively couples and decouples to the apparel article.
 12. The collar system of claim 11, wherein the fastening system is an array of fastening devices selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins.
 13. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the protruding member is a bunched portion of fabric coupled about a base of the protruding member.
 14. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the outer ring and inner ring are split rings and include one or more coupling devices selected from the group consisting of mating hook and loop patches, ties, snaps, buttons, clips, and pins, such that they may be repeatedly selectively coupled and decoupled about the neck of a wearer.
 15. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the outer ring comprises a water-resistant front panel coupled to a water absorbent back panel.
 16. The collar system of claim 15, wherein the inner ring is of a water absorbent material.
 17. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the inner ring comprises a front fabric panel coupled to the protrusion and a back fabric panel coupled to the protrusion, wherein the front fabric panel has an annular width that is shorter than an annular width of the back fabric panel.
 18. The collar system of claim 10, wherein the inner ring comprises a folded ring of fabric and wherein the protrusion is a tucked portion of that fabric that is coupled against itself.
 19. A method of manufacturing a bib, comprising the steps of: a. providing a water-resistant outer collar panel shaped as a split ring; b. providing a water-absorbent outer collar panel shaped as a split ring; c. providing a water-absorbent inner collar strip of fabric; d. tucking a strip of material of the inner collar strip of fabric and coupling the tucked portion to itself, the tucked strip of material having a center that is off-center from the inner collar strip of fabric, thereby forming a protruding ledge; e. coupling opposite ends of the inner collar strip of fabric to each other between the water-resistant outer collar panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel at an e annular region thereof, such that the protruding ledge extends as a ledge from a resulting inner collar formed thereby; f. coupling outer annular regions of the water-resistant panel and the water-absorbent outer collar panel, thereby forming a collar system; and g. coupling the collar system to a bib panel.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of attaching one or more repeatedly selectably coupleable and removable fastening systems to the collar system such that the collar system may selectably couple and remove from itself or from the bib panel. 